AZUSA, CA – Azusa Unified School District was awarded a nearly $6,000 state grant to supply students with healthier food options at its Valleydale, Clifford Murray and Paramount elementary schools.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), administered by the California Department of Education (CDE), will provide students with a free fresh fruit or vegetable snack during the school day as a supplement to the existing breakfast and lunch programs offered. The purpose of the program is to teach students about good nutrition through expanded fruit and vegetable options.

“We place tremendous value on ensuring our students have healthy food options on campus,” AUSD Superintendent Dr. Linda Kaminski said. “I am grateful to the state for helping Azusa Unified enhance our nutritional menu.”

The District offers fresh salads daily at the middle and high schools and a fresh fruit and vegetable salad bar at all its K-5 campuses. District employees encourage each student to select a half a cup of fruit or vegetables with their lunch.

Additionally, the District has new low fat yogurt parfait stations for breakfast or lunch at the middle and high schools. The District has also recently partnered with JUST Water, a supplier of sustainable bottled water, to help promote its breakfast program while increasing water consumption among its students.